Plums are a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and potassium. A medium-sized plum contains 113 mg of potassium, which aids in managing high blood pressure and protects our heart, reducing the risk of stroke. Plums also contain vitamin C, which helps in iron absorption, development of healthy tissues and maintenance of a strong immune system!
This dessert can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and oats. For my vegan readers, you can use almond or soy milk.
Wash your hands and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
-
7 large plums
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2.5 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute in gluten-free flours too!)
- 1/3 cup oats (optional)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup + 1 tbs canola oil
-
2 tbs chia seeds
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl–whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, sea salt, chia seeds. Mix well using a wooden spoon.
3. Pour milk and canola oil into the dry mix. Mix well using a wooden spoon, then knead with your hands. You may have to let the dough sit for a few minutes to allow the gluten to form, which gives the dough its elasticity.
4. Lightly cover the bottom of a baking tray with canola oil.
5. Take half of the dough and round it up into a ball. Then place it in the center of the pie tray. Using your fist, flatten the dough, and spread until it reaches the edges, and gently push up until the entire perimeter of the tray is covered with a layer of dough.
6. Place the crust in the oven for 15 minutes. To prevent the crust from rising, you may cover the entire pie tray with parchment paper and place a handful of uncooked beans on top of the parchment paper before placing it into the oven. Be sure to spread the beans to the perimeter of the crust. This will keep the dough from rising too high. If you do notice slight rising, simply press the crust down with a spoon before allowing it to cool.
7. While the crust is baking, skin and slice the plums.
8. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the sliced plums and using your hands, mix the plums to ensure that each slice gets its share of cinnamon.
9. Once 10 minutes has passed, remove the crust from the oven and let cool.
10. Place the cinnamon-coated plum slices onto a pan and sauté about 10 minutes or until soft. Let cool.
11. Lay each plum slice down gently onto the crust, creating a circular pattern.
12. With the remaining dough, roll it up into a ball and place on your cleaned cutting board. If you have a rolling pin, use it to flatten the dough. If not, you’ll have to put those arm muscles to use!
13. Then, use your knife to cut the flattened dough into 1-inch strips.
14. Take the middle strip first and place in the center of the pie and work your way to the sides. Be sure that the edge of the strip touches the outer crust to avoid undesired spaces.
15. Place in the oven for 35 minutes.
I like to serve my plum pie cold, but you can decide how you like it! You can also substitute plums for other fruits (or veggies!). Reach out to Lil’ Fit Birdie on Facebook and Twitter to share your pie pics!
